Where will Manchester United’s new signings fit into the team?
By Lee Kilby
Louis van Gaal has assembled one of the best midfields in football, and with the Premier League season starting in less than a month, how will he fit them all into his Manchester United side?
Towards the end of last season, Van Gaal settled on a 4-1-4-1 formation, but with new signings joining the squad, he may have to adjust the formation again to find the right balance in his team.
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David De Gea travelled with United on their US tour, but with his future still unclear, it is unknown whether he will start United’s Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on 8th August. Victor Valdes wasn’t selected for the tour and he has been linked with a move to Turkey, but his agent has stated he intends to remain at United.
With Matteo Darmian joining from Torino, he is most likely going to be first-choice right back for the coming season. United placed a bid for Sergio Ramos last month, but Real Madrid remain reluctant to sell him. However, United have put their foot down and told Real Madrid if any deal for De Gea is to proceed, they want Sergio Ramos as part of the deal.
The Red Devils have Chris Smalling, Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Jonny Evans, Paddy McNair and Tyler Blackett as their current senior centre-backs, and if United are successful in their pursuit of Sergio Ramos, one of these could partner him in the coming season.
United spent almost £30 million on Luke Shaw last season, and after an injury-hit first campaign, he will be hoping to regain his place in the team from Daley Blind.
New signing Bastian Schweinsteiger will surely become a starter in the centre of midfield. Having worked with Van Gaal at Bayern Munich, the World Cup winner will provide the attacking force through the middle with his power and passing range and help out with the defensive work when needed.
Morgan Schneiderlin was a stand-out player for Southampton for his tackling and ability to break up play from the middle, but he is comfortable on the ball and can pass well. Schneiderlin can play either directly in front of the back four or slightly further forward, still in a defensive position. He would complement Schweinsteiger in midfield and these two could form a formidable partnership for seasons to come.
Daley Blind and Michael Carrick will still be hoping for a place In Louis Van Gaal’s team. Both having been regular starters last season, with Schweinsteiger and Schneiderlin joining United, their starting places are no longer guaranteed.
Ashley Young played some of his best football under Van Gaal last season when he had previously looked on his way out of the club. The signing of Memphis Depay will make it harder for Young to feature in the starting line-up, but he could operate on either flank of the attacking midfield three behind a striker, as a winger in three-pronged front line or in a flat five across the midfield.
Juan Mata had a brilliant season under Van Gaal. The Spaniard prefers to play in an attacking central midfield role than on the wing and with the latest signings, he might get more chances in his preferred role.
Memphis Depay rattled in 22 goals to finish top scorer of the Dutch Eredivisie last season and if that form continues in the Premier League his place in the side will not be in question.
Paris Saint-Germain are constantly linked with a bid for Angel Di Maria after a disappointing first season at United. However, I believe Di Maria needs to stay at United to show he can re-create the form he produced at Real Madrid, the form which convinced United to spend £60 million on him. Di Maria had a good tournament for Argentina at the Copa America, and Van Gaal will be hoping he continues his good form for the coming season.
Van Gaal shelled out £29m Ander Herrera last summer and he will have to prove to the manager he deserves to keep his place in the starting line-up. Herrera had a very good first season for United, and formed a brilliant understanding with Juan Mata. If he continues his form, it would be hard for Van Gaal to take him out of the team.
Fellaini is another player who Van Gaal got the best out of. He was expected to leave when Van Gaal was appointed but he fought his way into the managers plans last season. However, with the new signings, Fellaini will again have to prove to Van Gaal he deserves his place in the team.
Antonio Valencia was first choice right-back last season, but the signing of Matteo Darmian from Torino for £14.4m will limit his opportunities at right back and United are not short of players who can operate at right-wing. With United back in the Champions League, Valencia’s versatility and experience will be a useful for him to get playing time this season.
Adnan Januzaj was a revelation under David Moyes, but last season he became a bit-part player under the current manager. Again, with the strong competition for places on the wings and attacking midfield, the 20-year-old will need to convince Van Gaal he can re-produce his form from two seasons ago. Another option would be for Januzaj to go out on load to gain more first-team experience and continue his development because he has got the potential to become a world-class player.
Wayne Rooney will now get his chance to finally be United’s main striker. After the departures of Robin Van Persie and Radamel Falcao, and with the new midfield signings, Rooney won’t have to move into midfield if there are any injuries because Van Gaal now has sufficient back-up in that position meaning he can concentrate on being United’s first choice striker.
With all of the new signings joining the team, the most proficient formations for the new season could be 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. This formation could bring the best out of new signings and current players. Could this be the line-up for Manchester United next season?
